resumes and cover letters. key points preparation resume formats importance of cover letters cover...
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Resumes and
Cover Letters
Key Points
• Preparation
• Resume Formats
• Importance of Cover Letters
• Cover Letter Format
Resume• A brief account of one’s professional or work
experience and qualifications, often submitted with an application. (thefreedictionary.com)
• First glimpse that employers have of you.
• Advertisement of what you can offer to the employer.
Preparation
• It takes time to create a strong resume.
• Gather information before you start the writing process. – Your Contact Information– Educational Background– Work Experience– References
Preparation
Take time to understand the business or organization you are applying to.
• Study the job announcement• Check out their website• Visit their location
Resume Formats
• The Basics
• Reverse Chronological
• Functional
Basics• Usually 1-2 pages. – Include contact information on multiple pages.
• Choose Simple Fonts: – Times New Roman, Ariel, Verdana
• Be consistent with formatting and bullet points.
• Use bold words to your advantage.
• Take advantage of white space.
Basics
• Choose statements over full sentences.
• Focus beginning your statements with action verbs and vary your vocabulary.
• Avoid the first pronoun.
Reverse Chronological Resume
• The most common resume layout in use.
• Highlights your work experience.
• Starts with your most recent employment and goes back through your succession of previous positions.
When to Use a Reverse Chronological Resume
• If you have past experience in the field that you are applying for now.
• If your most recent employer is a respected name in the industry.
• If your work record does not have any major lapses in time.
Reverse Chronological Format
• Contact Information• Objective• Summary• Professional Experience • Education• Activities/Interest
Contact Information
• First and Last Name
• Address
• Phone Number
Objective or Summary…That is the question!
Objective: Self-centered. States the position you want.
• Project Manager (Job Title)
• Objective: Administrative position with a privately held hospice services provider.
• Objective: An opportunity to apply technical skills and communications ability in a Sales or Customer Service position.
When to Use an Objective
• When you know the position being offered.
• If you are entering the workforce for the first time or after a long leave of absence.
Summary: Employer-Centered. States what you have to offer.
• A detail-oriented, high energy art teacher with the ability to motivate students to work at optimum levels while maintaining a comfortable, creative environment, and keeping a clear perspective of goals to be accomplished.
When to Use a Summary
• When you have widely applicable skills. • When you have already devoted time to a
specific career.
• When you know that your resume is headed to a database.
Professional Experienceand Accomplishments
Job Title Employer, Location Dates• Statement starting with an action word
describing relevant skills/achievements. • Statement starting with an action word
describing relevant skills/achievements. • Statement starting with an action word
describing relevant skills/achievements.
Examples of Achievements
• Increased revenues• Saved money• Increased efficiency• Cut Overhead• Improved Service• Increased Sales• Designed programs
• Improved safety• Purchasing
Accomplishments• New products• Increased productivity• Successful advertising • Effective budgeting
Education and Professional Training
• New graduates give more detail on course work.
• Omit high school or prep school if you have a college degree.
• Also list relevant seminars, workshops and conferences.
Functional Resume
• Focused on what the job-seeker can do for the employer.
• Attention is directed to specific Skill Sets, rather than Employment History.
When to Use a Functional Resume
• If you’ve changed careers multiple times.
• If you’re a recent graduate, ex-military personnel, or contract worker.
• If you’re re-entering the workforce after a long period of absence.
Functional Format
• Contact Information• Objective• Summary• Skill Sets• Employment History• Education • Activities/Interests
Functional Skill Sets
• First Skill Set– An achievement illustrating this skill. – A second achievement illustrating this skill. – A third achievement illustrating this skill…
• Second Skill Set– An achievement illustrating this skill…
• Third Skill Set– An achievement illustrating this skill…
Proofread, proofread, proofread!
• Don’t trust your own eyes to catch mistakes. • Print out copies of resumes to read and mark-up. • Have someone else proof-read it.
Resume Blooper Hall of Fame– Received a plague for Salesperson of the Year.– Experience: Stalking, shipping & receiving.– Duties included cleaning the restrooms and seating the
customers. – Languages: English and Spinach.
Follow Directions…
• If responding to a job posting, carefully follow their directions for submitting your resume.
• If you have the chance to drop off your resume in person, do it!
Plain Text Format(ASCII)
• Plain-text resume is an online document constructed without formatting.
• Saved as a plain-text file format.
• Bullets, bold, and underlined font will not appear in plain text documents.
Saving as Plain Text in Word 2010
• Click File
• Click “Save As”
• Click the bar by “Save as Type”
• Choose “Plain Text”
– Allows you to express yourself in writing.
– Demonstrates your knowledge of the business/organization.
– Sets yourself apart from those who don’t take the time to write one!
Why bother with a Cover Letter?
Cover Letter—Greeting
• Make an effort to use the name of the person who will receive your letter.
• Look online• Ask a current employee• Call human resources
• If you can’t locate a name, use a gender-neutral title. – Dear Hiring Manager or Staff Selection Team.
Cover Letter
• First paragraph
– Introduce yourself.
– Mention how you became aware of the position.
– Mention any referrals.
Cover Letter
• Second Paragraph
– Focus on what you bring to the table. Give 2 or 3 examples of job-related achievements.
– Share your knowledge about the company. • Mention changes in structure, growth, or current challenges
and how you can help.
– Allow the employer to see why you are passionate about the position.
Cover Letter
• Third Paragraph
– Reiterate your interest in the position.
– Convey your enthusiasm towards meeting in-person.
– Thank the employer for their consideration.
More Resume and Cover Letter Examples:www.resume-resource.com
References• Resumes for Dummies, by Joyce Kennedy Lain.
Wiley Publisher, 2011.• http://www.gcflearnfree.org. Careers-Cover
Letters, Goodwill Community Foundation 2012.